xsetpointer

xsetpointer [pointer_type]

pointer_type
    Sets the default pointer shape for the X server. Common values include arrow, cross, hand, ibeam, question, watch, xterm, plus, and various angle shapes (e.g., ul_angle, lr_angle). Some types like size may require an additional numeric argument.

xsetpointer is a utility for the X Window System that allows users to change the default pointer (cursor) shape displayed by the X server. Unlike modern tools that manage physical input devices or cursor themes, xsetpointer specifically targets the server's default pointer glyph, which is used when no specific window or application has set its own cursor. This command is particularly useful in environments where a specific default cursor appearance is desired globally for the X session, or for testing purposes related to X server pointer behavior. It operates by sending a request to the X server to switch its default cursor shape to one of several predefined types, such as an arrow, crosshair, or text I-beam. It's an older command, often found in X.Org installations, and its functionality for end-users has largely been superseded by desktop environment settings and cursor theme management.

Deprecation/Modern Alternatives: This command is relatively old and its direct use for customizing the cursor is largely superseded by modern desktop environment settings and cursor theme configurations (e.g., using xcursor-themes or GNOME/KDE settings).

Limited Scope: It only affects the default server pointer. Once an application or window sets its own cursor, xsetpointer's setting is overridden for that specific context.

Availability: May not be installed by default on all minimal X installations or modern Linux distributions that favor xinput or desktop environment configuration tools.

While seemingly basic, xsetpointer can be useful for debugging pointer issues or ensuring a specific default cursor appearance in specialized kiosk or embedded X environments where a full desktop environment is not running.

It's important to understand that xsetpointer only sets the default pointer. Applications can, and usually do, set their own specific cursors when the pointer is over their windows (e.g., an I-beam over text, a hand over a link). The xsetpointer setting will only be visible when the pointer is outside any application window that has defined its own cursor, or in contexts where the X server explicitly uses its default.

xsetpointer has been a part of the X Window System utilities for a long time, dating back to earlier versions of X11 (e.g., X11R6). It provided a simple way to define the server's default cursor appearance. Its functionality reflects a time when X server configuration was more granular and directly managed via command-line utilities. While still present in many X.Org installations, its practical usage for end-users has diminished as graphical desktop environments and more advanced input configuration tools like xinput have become prevalent.

xinput(1), xset(1), xrdb(1), xorg.conf(5)